Chapter 98 A New Bond

• “ Reyna, you’ve been at this all day. Come take a break with me, ” Theo said as he gently pushed open the studio door. The soft hum of late autumn light filled the space, mingling with the quiet clatter of design tools scattered on Reyna’s worktable. Her eyes, still tired from the stress of deadlines and grim variations, lifted from her sketches, meeting his warm, concerned aspect .
• “ Not now, Theo, ” Reyna replied, her voice tight as she traced a delicate line on a tableware pendant design. “ I’m so close to finishing these variations — I ca n’t let my focus break. ”
• Theo stepped closer, his tone softening. “ Reyna, I know how important this design is, but you’ve been burning yourself out. You need a moment to breathe. ” He reached out, smoothly brushing a slapdash cinch of hair from her face. “ I watch about you, and I detest seeing you so wound up. ”